Green Key
Green Key is an international sustainability certification programme for tourism and hospitality establishments, operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education since 1994, certifying 9,000+ hotels, hostels, campsites, restaurants, and attractions across 90+ countries against documented environmental criteria.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersCopenhagen, Denmark
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Green Key does
Green Key is an international sustainability certification programme for tourism and hospitality establishments, operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — a UK-registered private company limited by guarantee and charity. Founded in Denmark in 1994 and adopted by FEE as an international programme in 2002, Green Key certifies hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants, and attractions against documented environmental and social criteria. The programme has certified more than 9,000 establishments across 90+ countries, with formal recognition from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (since 2016) and a recommended-eco-label designation from HOTREC (since 2020).
The core technology stack comprises the ECO-OS sustainability accounting database, where certified establishments input monthly and annual data on energy, water, waste, food waste, and GHG emissions, and which returns annual performance reports and improvement recommendations. The platform is supplemented by a Carbon Calculation Tool, a Water Calculation Tool, a Waste Measurement Methodology (co-developed with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance), a public self-assessment form, criteria documents (2022-2026 and 2026-2031 cycles), and access to the FEE Academy online training platform. Certification is verified through documented evidence, third-party on-site or remote audits, and an independent certification body, with periodic renewal required to maintain status.
Green Key generates revenue primarily through recurring certification fees and annual renewal fees, with billing on an annual subscription cadence. Fees vary by establishment type and country and are published for each certification period. Distribution follows a dual-channel model: Green Key International handles direct applications in countries without National Operators, while 40+ National Operators (FEE member organisations) administer the programme nationally in their respective territories. Marketing and demand generation rely on a community-led approach — quarterly online intro sessions, criteria webinars, a good-practices showcase, newsletters, the FEE Academy, and cross-promotion across FEE's family of environmental programmes (Blue Flag, EcoSchools, ECOCampus, YRE, Leaf).
Green Key firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Green Key
- Legal name
- Foundation for Environmental Education
- Website
- https://greenkey.global
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Green Key is an international sustainability certification programme for tourism and hospitality establishments, operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education since 1994, certifying 9,000+ hotels, hostels, campsites, restaurants, and attractions across 90+ countries against documented environmental criteria.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Green Key industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainability Certification
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sustainability/Green Certified Conference Hotels (THAGALAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Sustainability & Environmental Certifications (Carbon, Water, Regenerative) (AFALAMAC)
Keywords
Where Green Key is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Copenhagen
- HQ country
- Denmark
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Green Key business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Certification Fees: Establishments pay participation/certification fees to obtain and maintain Green Key certification. The fees vary by establishment type and country. The program publishes participation costs for specific periods (e.g., 2026, 2026-2027) on their website.
- Annual Renewal Fees: Certified establishments must pay annual re-application fees to maintain their certification status, supporting ongoing compliance verification and audits.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Certification fees for tourism establishments based on type and location |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
Green Key product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Green Key operates an international sustainability certification programme for tourism and hospitality establishments. Establishments apply through Green Key International or National Operators, undergo documented evidence review and on-site audits, and receive a Green Key certificate confirming conformity with environmental and social sustainability criteria. Certification requires periodic renewal and covers hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants, and attractions.
Product overview
Green Key is a single, unified international sustainability certification programme for the hospitality industry, operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The programme certifies hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants, and attractions based on strict environmental criteria. The offering consists of the core certification programme itself, supported by complementary tools including the Carbon Calculation Tool, Water Calculation Tool, Waste Measurement Methodology, Self-Assessment Form, and access to the FEE Academy training platform. Establishments are guided through criteria documents (2022-2026 and 2026-2031), certification processes, and participate in quarterly intro sessions. The programme verifies compliance through third-party audits and maintains standards through periodic renewal requirements.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Green Key Certification Programme An international sustainability certification programme that verifies environmental and social sustainability criteria for tourism and hospitality establishments. Establishments are assessed through documented evidence review, on-site audits, and periodic renewal, covering energy, water, waste, food waste, and GHG emissions performance.
Quantifiable outcome
- More than 9,000 hotels and establishments certified in 90+ countries
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Green Key
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Green Key technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Green Key partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, moderate and minor.
- Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)coreGreen Key is operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). FEE provides governance through its International Steering Committee (with 2 members from Green Key founders and 2 from FEE), administrative support, and umbrella branding across programs including Blue Flag, EcoSchools, and others.
- Green Key National Operators (40+ countries)coreFEE member organisations in 40+ countries act as National Operators, managing national program administration, local partner contacts, and establishment certifications within their territories.
- Sustainable Hospitality AlliancemoderatePartnership for waste measurement methodology development. Green Key references the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance's Waste Measurement Methodology as part of its criteria tools.
- Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)moderateGSTC recognition of Green Key criteria since 2016 validates the program's alignment with international sustainable tourism standards.
- HOTRECmoderateHOTREC recommended Green Key as an eco-label for European hotels since 2020, enhancing credibility across the European hospitality industry.
- FEE AcademyminorOnline training platform for Green Key staff and certified establishments to access educational resources and best practices in sustainable hospitality.
- Third-Party AuditorscoreIn countries without National Operators and in most cases globally, third-party auditors conduct verification audits. The certification is confirmed by an independent Certification Body.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Green Key competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- EarthCheck: EarthCheck is a sustainability certification and benchmarking program specifically for the travel and tourism industry, covering hotels, tour operators, and destinations — directly comparable to Green Key's hospitality sustainability certification focus and GSTC-aligned model.
- Green Globe: Green Globe provides sustainability certification for the travel and tourism industry, including hotels and resorts. It directly competes with Green Key in certifying hospitality establishments against sustainability criteria.
- Travelife: Travelife offers sustainability certification and training for hotels, tour operators, and travel agents, combining third-party verification with online training — directly comparable to Green Key's certification-plus-FEE-Academy approach.
- Biosphere: Biosphere certifies sustainable tourism businesses (hotels, destinations, experiences) and is GSTC-recognised, putting it in direct competition with Green Key for hospitality sustainability certification mandates across Europe and Latin America.
Broad incumbents
- LEED (US Green Building Council): LEED is a global green building certification that includes hospitality properties within a much broader portfolio of building types. It overlaps with Green Key when hotels pursue LEED instead of (or alongside) hospitality-specific certifications.
- EU Ecolabel: The EU Ecolabel is a government-backed sustainability certification covering accommodation services across Europe. It is a broad incumbent alternative to Green Key for European hotel sustainability claims, with a different (regulatory) distribution model.
Others
- Sustainable Hospitality Alliance: Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is a global alliance of major hotel chains working on sustainability; Green Key has a strategic partnership with the Alliance on waste measurement methodology. It is an ecosystem partner rather than direct certification competitor.
- Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE): FEE is the parent organisation that operates Green Key, alongside other environmental programs including Blue Flag and EcoSchools. It is the closest related entity and the umbrella under which Green Key's governance and administration sit.
Regional players
- Green Tourism (UK): Green Tourism is the UK's largest sustainable tourism certification scheme for hospitality and visitor attractions. It is directly comparable to Green Key's offering but primarily focused on the British Isles rather than the global footprint Green Key targets.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Green Key social profiles
Digital presenceGreen Key compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Green Key financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Green Key leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Green Key funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Green Key M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Green Key
What does Green Key do?
Green Key operates an international sustainability certification programme for tourism and hospitality establishments. Establishments apply through Green Key International or National Operators, undergo documented evidence review and on-site audits, and receive a Green Key certificate confirming conformity with environmental and social sustainability criteria. Certification requires periodic renewal and covers hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centres, restaurants, and attractions.
Is Green Key a public or private company?
Green Key is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Green Key founded?
Green Key was founded in 1994. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Green Key based?
Green Key is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the Europe region.
How does Green Key make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Certification Fees are the primary driver. The others are annual Renewal Fees.
Who are Green Key's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are EarthCheck, Green Globe, Travelife and Biosphere. Broad incumbents are LEED (US Green Building Council) and EU Ecolabel. Others are Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Green Tourism (UK) is listed as a regional player.
Does Green Key have an API?
No public API is recorded for Green Key.
What industry is Green Key in?
Green Key's product category is Sustainability Certification. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAGALAN, Sustainability/Green Certified Conference Hotels, with a secondary code of AFALAMAC, Sustainability & Environmental Certifications (Carbon, Water, Regenerative).